HSE issues safety alert after fatal excavator incident
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a safety alert following a fatal incident involving an excavator on a construction site. The alert highlights the importance of using safety control levers, also known as isolation devices, to prevent unintended machine movement when workers are nearby.
What happened?
An excavator operator leaned out of his cab to speak with a slinger. During this, he accidentally nudged the left-hand joystick, causing the excavator to slew. The movement crushed the slinger between the quick hitch and a fixed structure, resulting in a fatal injury.
What is a safety control lever?
Excavators are typically fitted with a safety control lever or isolation device. When activated, it disables the joystick controls and prevents unintended movement of the boom, arm or bucket while the machine is idling. It must be engaged whenever someone is working within the machine’s operational arc.
Key safety messages from the HSE
- Operators must engage isolation levers whenever someone is near the machine
- Workers should never approach a machine until they have made eye contact with the operator and received a clear signal
- Companies should ensure plant operators receive proper instruction and supervision on isolation device use
- Workers must be trained on safe approaches and communication protocols around mobile plant
When physical separation is not practical
In situations such as slinging or maintenance, where proximity is unavoidable, the machine must be safely idled with the isolation lever engaged before anyone enters the danger zone. Failing to do so can result in serious or fatal injury.
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